Can't Wait Wednesday #3

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they're books that have yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here! 

I recently heard about this upcoming book, Sing Me Forgotten, and I must say I'm intrigued! The reviews so far pretty much unanimously agree that it's AMAZING - so it's now on my list!

Title: Sing Me Forgotten

Author: Jessica S. Olson

Publication Date: March 9th, 2021

Publisher: Inkyard Press

Summary by Goodreads.

Isda does not exist. At least not beyond the opulent walls of the opera house. Cast into a well at birth for being one of the magical few who can manipulate memories when people sing, she was saved by Cyril, the opera house’s owner. Since that day, he has given her sanctuary from the murderous world outside. All he asks in return is that she use her power to keep ticket sales high—and that she stay out of sight. For if anyone discovers she survived, Isda and Cyril would pay with their lives.But Isda breaks Cyril’s cardinal rule when she meets Emeric Rodin, a charming boy who throws her quiet, solitary life out of balance. His voice is unlike any she’s ever heard, but the real shock comes when she finds in his memories hints of a way to finally break free of her gilded prison. Haunted by this possibility, Isda spends more and more time with Emeric, searching for answers in his music and his past. But the price of freedom is steeper than Isda could ever know. For even as she struggles with her growing feelings for Emeric, she learns that in order to take charge of her own destiny, she must become the monster the world tried to drown in the first place.

It's Monday! What are you Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment and er… add to your groaning TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn here at The Book Date.

Jen Vincent, Teach Mentor Texts, and Kellee of Unleashing Readers decided to give It's Monday! a kidlit focus. If you read and review books in children's literature - picture books, chapter books, middle grade novels, young adult novels or anything in those genres - join them.

What I Read Last:

Midnight Sun: Stephenie Meyer

Loved it! Check out my review here: Midnight Sun Review

What I am Currently Reading:

The Ravens: Kass Morgan & Danielle Paige

Really liking this so far! Review will be posted late this week/early next week so keep an eye out!

What's Up Next:

Fight For Her: Liz Plum

So excited to read this next! I received an ARC from Raincoast Books very recently, and the review will be up early 2021! 

What are you reading? What's up next? Comment below! :) 

Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer Book Review

Title: Midnight Sun

Author: Stephenie Meyer

Publish Date: August 4th, 2020

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Source: Purchased myself from Chapters!

When Edward Cullen and Bella Swan met in Twilight, an iconic love story was born. But until now, fans have heard only Bella's side of the story. At last, readers can experience Edward's version in the long-awaited companion novel, Midnight Sun.

This unforgettable tale as told through Edward's eyes takes on a new and decidedly dark twist. Meeting Bella is both the most unnerving and intriguing event he has experienced in all his years as a vampire. As we learn more fascinating details about Edward's past and the complexity of his inner thoughts, we understand why this is the defining struggle of his life. How can he justify following his heart if it means leading Bella into danger?

Penelope's Review

Bestill my vampire loving heart. I have waited for this book for a VERY long time and now that it's here and I've finished it... sigh. It feels like saying goodbye to a long-time friend. 

So... what did I think? I thought it was excellent of course! I'm sure you have all read the Twilight Saga or seen the movies, or at least seen enough memes to know what the heck is going on lol! Basically, Midnight Sun is Twilight from Edward's point of view. What I love the absolute most about this book is that it grew up with us! What do I mean by that? Well, when Twilight was released, I was just a tween and the book seemed to be written for that tween/early teen age category. The style of writing, the vocabulary used, etc. But now that I am in my twenties, it's like the book grew up - the language is more sophisticated, there are nuances for young adults/adults, etc. I felt like I was reading a book for my age category, not one for my inner 12-year-old self! And that speaks to the talent of Stephenie Meyer as an author. I feel that she has shaped her writing over the years, and come out on top!

I was quite surprised at the mixed reviews this book got - I mean it's a retelling of a previously published novel so of course you aren't getting a completely new book with a new storyline! It's meant to add just a little bit more, fill in the gaps, get inside Edward's head! And I felt that it accomplished this! The nostalgia kicked in, and I had a great time reliving an awesome part of my childhood. 

Overall, I think this was a super fun read and I'm glad I picked up a copy! I seriously wish New Moon was being re-written from Edward's point of view - given the separation from Bella, that would be like reading a completely new book! But alas, it's not in the cards for us. It's been a fun and emotional journey, and I'm glad that I get to end it with Midnight Sun. 

RATING: 4.5/5 Devils!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

 

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment and er… add to your groaning TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn here at The Book Date.

Jen Vincent, Teach Mentor Texts, and Kellee of Unleashing Readers decided to give It's Monday! a kidlit focus. If you read and review books in children's literature - picture books, chapter books, middle grade novels, young adult novels or anything in those genres - join them.

What I Read Last:

The Vampire Diaries: The Hunters Vol.1: Phantom by L.J. Smith

Absolutely  loved the TV show and thought the books were great when L.J. Smith was writing them. These last 3 in the series are not my favorite however!

What I Am Currently Reading:

Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer

Bestill my vampire loving heart. I have been waiting for this book for a very long time, and now that it's here my tween/teen inner self is CRYING WITH JOY!!! I can't wait to finish this and get my review up for you guys!

What's Next:

 

I received a review copy of both of these books recently so I am trying to pick one to read first! I am thinking Eventide first then The Ravens but we shall see. What do you guys suggest?

Comment below with what you are currently reading or what's next on your list!

Book Blogger Hop

Book Blogger Hop

I've decided to hop on the hop lol! This is hosted by Billy @ Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer! Hope over to their page to grab a button and join in the fun!

This Week's Question:

Do you have any bookish ornaments on your Christmas tree?

My Answer:

Kind of! I wish I had actual cool book ornaments, but alas all I have is a baby's first Christmas ornament book on my tree! It belongs to my little sister and is filled with pages of all her firsts!

 

The Grace Year by Kim Liggett

Title: The Grace Year

Author: Kim Liggett

Publish Date: October 8th, 2019

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Source: ARC courtesy of Raincost Books

Summary by Goodreads.

No one speaks of the grace year. It's forbidden.

In Garner County, girls are told they have the power to lure grown men from their beds, to drive women mad with jealousy. They believe their very skin emits a powerful aphrodisiac, the potent essence of youth, of a girl on the edge of womanhood. That’s why they’re banished for their sixteenth year, to release their magic into the wild so they can return purified and ready for marriage. But not all of them will make it home alive. Sixteen-year-old Tierney James dreams of a better life—a society that doesn’t pit friend against friend or woman against woman, but as her own grace year draws near, she quickly realizes that it’s not just the brutal elements they must fear. It’s not even the poachers in the woods, men who are waiting for a chance to grab one of the girls in order to make a fortune on the black market. Their greatest threat may very well be each other. With sharp prose and gritty realism, The Grace Year examines the complex and sometimes twisted relationships between girls, the women they eventually become, and the difficult decisions they make in-between.

Penelope's Review

Wow! Just wow... I could not put this book down. I finished it in a night while on a camping trip, which actually ended up being the perfect setting for this thrilling dystopian. 

This book has been compared to the Hunger Games, Lord of the Flies, The Handmaid's Tale and I have to say I completely agree - in the best way possible! And yet it was still completely unique! The book takes place in Garner County where women are said to have magic that they must get rid of when sent away for their grace year at age 16. They then return to the men to be wives and childbearers. The book is a quiet demonstration of standing up and rebelling against men in charge. There are no loud, bold revolutions but rather subtle displays of strength and empowerment. It was very well written.

I found Tierney, the main character, to be strong willed and relatable. She seeks the truth, while trying to stay true to herself and manages to succeed in doing so. There were other characters that I loved as well such as Ryker (of course!), and Kiersten (great job at being a badass mean-girl leader). 

The book was written in such a way that there were no slow spots, and the more I read the more I wanted to read. The end was great, but up for personal interpretation. Sometimes I like this aspect, sometimes I don't. It was tastefully done in this book, but I usually like a clear cut answer (that is just a personal preference of course, many love creating their own version of things). 

Very excited to see what Kim Liggett comes out with next, my eye is on her now!

RATING: 4.5/5 DEVILS!